Mathematics of Mechanics - Adv Higher

SCQF Framework

SCQF Level: 7

SCQF Credit Points: 32

Skills Framework

Delivering Centre

Vale of Leven Academy

Purpose and Aims

Mechanics encourages independent thinking and an enquiring approach. Learning mechanics develops questioning skills, logical reasoning, analysis, problem-solving skills, creativity and the ability to communicate explanations concisely.

It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous and rigorous way.

The course develops important mathematical techniques, which are critical to successful progression beyond Advanced Higher level in Mathematics of Mechanics and many other curriculum areas.

The skills, knowledge and understanding in the course also support learning in technology, health and wellbeing, science, and social studies.

Mathematics is important in everyday life. It helps us to make sense of the world we live in and to manage our lives. Mechanics uses mathematics to enable us to model real-life situations and to equip us with the skills we need to interpret and understand how things work, simplify and solve problems, identify limitations, and draw conclusions.

The course aims to:

  • use and extend mathematical skills needed to solve problems in mechanics
  • consider the state of equilibrium or the movement of a body and interpret the underlying factors using known mathematical methods
  • analyse the physical factors impacting bodies
  • understand, interpret and apply the effects of both constant and variable forces on a body
  • create mathematical models to simplify and solve problems
  • analyse results in context and interpret the solution in terms of the real world
  • develop skills in effectively communicating conclusions reached on the basis of physical factors and calculation

Recommended Entry

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills and knowledge required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

  • Higher Mathematics or relevant component Units


Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

  • other qualifications in Mathematics or related areas
  • further study, employment or training

Career Options

Further Information

Mathematics of Mechanics Advanced Higher Course Specification


Course Content

The Advanced Higher Mathematics of Mechanics course develops, deepens, and extends the mathematical skills necessary at this level and beyond. Throughout this course, candidates gain and apply operational skills necessary for exploring ideas in mechanics through symbolic representation and mathematical modelling. Candidates develop mathematical reasoning skills and gain experience in making informed decisions.

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • knowledge and understanding of a range of straightforward and complex concepts in mechanics
  • identifying and using appropriate techniques in mechanics
  • using mathematical reasoning and operational skills to extract and interpret information
  • creating and using multifaceted mathematical models
  • communicating identified strategies of solution and providing justification for the resulting conclusions in a logical way
  • comprehending both the problem as a whole and its integral parts
  • selecting and using numerical skills

Course Assessment Structure

The course assessment meets the purposes and aims of the course by addressing:

  • breadth — drawing on knowledge and skills from across the course
  • challenge — requiring greater depth or extension of knowledge and/or skills
  • application — requiring application of knowledge and/or skills in practical or theoretical contexts as appropriate.

This enables candidates to:

  • use a range of complex concepts in mechanics
  • identify and use appropriate techniques in mechanics
  • use mathematical reasoning skills to extract and interpret information
  • create and use mathematical models to solve problems
  • communicate identified strategies of solution and provide justification for the resulting conclusions
  • analyse the problem both as a whole and as its integral parts

Question paper 100 marks

The question paper allows candidates to demonstrate knowledge of mathematical skills and their application to mechanics. Candidates can use a calculator. The question paper gives candidates an opportunity to apply algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, calculus, and reasoning skills specified in the ‘skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment’ section.

The question paper has 100 marks out of a total of 100 marks for the course assessment. It consists of short-answer and extended-response questions. Setting, conducting and marking the question paper The question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the question paper. Specimen question papers for Advanced Higher courses are published on SQA’s website. These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers. The specimen papers also include marking instructions.